About us
StockenBridge Breaks was created in 2007 by brother and sister, Zeb and Claudia Stocken, combining the expert bridge teaching skills of Zeb with the superb organisational skills of Claudia.
We aim to provide wonderful holidays that are as much about the bridge as the location, food and company. We put a great deal of effort into finding the perfect venue, visiting each one personally. This may be a country house, exclusively hired by StockenBridge to create a very informal house party feel, or a small charming hotel, always in a lovely area and with a warm and welcoming 'feel' about it.
We like to have small groups, generally from 20 to 40 people, and, depending on the numbers, you will have between one and three Stocken family members as your hosts! It is important to stress that our bridge holidays are not aimed at the type of player who likes a serious 24-board duplicate every night. Our ethos is that bridge must be a friendly and social game where you can meet like-minded people, and our holidays reflect that. No partner is needed on a StockenBridge holiday and non-playing partners are very welcome to join the group
We take great care to mix everyone up both at the bridge table and at the dinner table where we have a seating plan to help break the ice and avoid cliques. We are extremely proud that we have so many guests who come back time after time. Click HERE to read on-line reviews from previous guests. Once you start coming, we are sure that you will make great friendships, and will be eager to try out the next StockenBridge holiday.
The quality of food is also of the utmost importance as we know that it can make or break a holiday. If we are abroad we like to have a local chef so that you can really have a taste of the country you are staying in.
Depending on the destination, we also offer additional optional activities including:
- Excursions to places of interest
- Wine-tasting
- Golf
- Tennis
- Cookery classes
- Guided walks
- Pottery demonstrations
- Visits to beautiful gardens in the area
- Dining out in local restaurants
...the choice is endless!
Claudia Stocken
Claudia learnt bridge when she was 8 and played competitive bridge up until the age of 16 when she needed to concentrate on her studies to be a veterinary surgeon. After qualifying from Liverpool University, she worked for a number of years as a vet in England before coming out to Serre Chevalier in the French Alps in 1999. Here she met her husband, Philippe, and they now live in France with their two children.
She has also spent many years working as a resort manager for the holiday Tour Operator, Inghams, both in winter and summer, which has given her invaluable experience for the running of StockenBridge holidays.
Claudia plays bridge regularly at the local duplicate bridge club in Briancon as well as tournaments when she can. She also volunteers for a number of veterinary charities vaccinating and neutering cats and dogs all around the world (Greece, Tanzania, Cambodia, Uganda...)
Zeb Stocken
Zeb is the youngest member of the family and started playing bridge at 6 years old. Having played competitive bridge all through his teens, Zeb partnered Simon in the British junior squad, gaining successes in many national tournaments and reaching the rank of National Master. After completing a Classics degree at Bristol University, Zeb joined the Andrew Robson Bridge Club in 1996.
During his five years as Director and teacher at the ARBC, Zeb also collaborated on Andrew's teaching series, helping to bring the notes to life. Zeb lives near Bath and teaches private groups as well as on-line bridge.
Zeb is married to Fabia, whom he met through bridge, and they have 3 children.
To find out more about Bridge with Zeb, please click here